The Sofia City Court concluded its proceedings regarding the document-related case against former lawmaker Lena Borislavova on October 2, 2026. The court announced it will issue its final ruling within the statutory timeframe, leaving the initial acquittal by the Sofia District Court subject to ongoing judicial review following a prosecution appeal.
The Prosecution’s Appeal Against the 2025 Acquittal
The legal process, which revolves around allegations of document-related offenses, reached a new stage on October 2, 2026, when the Sofia City Court heard arguments regarding a prosecution protest. The state prosecution is challenging the November 18, 2025, decision by the Sofia District Court, which had initially cleared Lena Borislavova of all charges. During the session, the prosecution requested that the court find the former politician guilty, while her defense team insisted that the lower court’s acquittal be upheld.
The case is being handled under administrative-penal procedures, meaning the focus is on potential administrative sanctions rather than criminal liability. Borislavova previously served as the head of the political cabinet for the government of Kiril Petkov.
Details of the “Coral” Case Allegations
The controversy stems from events in May 2021 related to the NGO Da zapazim Koral
(Let’s Save Coral). According to the prosecution’s case, Lena Borislavova allegedly used falsified documents to facilitate the departure of Kiril Petkov from the organization’s board. The investigation was initiated following a complaint by the association’s chairman, Atanas Rusev, who alleged that documents presented to the Registry Agency contained his forged signature.
The allegations center on two specific incidents between May 13 and May 14, 2021. The prosecution claims that Borislavova knowingly submitted a power of attorney and a meeting protocol to the Registry Agency that bore signatures not actually provided by the board members.
https://x.com/BGNES/status/2105884465121972243
Borislavova Denies Committing a Crime
During the earlier trial at the district court, Borislavova maintained that she had committed no crime. She explained that all members of the association were aware of Petkov’s resignation, which was intended to allow him to enter government service. Borislavova defended her actions by stating that she kept an electronic signature on her desk with the password written nearby, making it accessible to others. She further argued that the internal rules of the organization, specifically Article 13 of the charter, did not require board decisions for a member’s resignation, rendering the use of falsified documents unnecessary. She emphasized that participation in the association did not involve the exercise of power or financial resources.
Her defense team has consistently argued that the documents presented to the Registry Agency were not relevant to the core issues, nor was the authorship of the signatures proven. Borislavova, who has since transitioned out of active politics to lead the Institute for Justice Monitoring, did not attend the October 2 hearing, leaving her legal representatives to request that the acquittal remain in force.
Remaining Procedural Uncertainty
With the hearing concluded, the parties now await the Sofia City Court’s final ruling. Because the case is conducted under administrative-penal rules, the outcome will determine whether Borislavova faces any administrative penalties or if the matter concludes with the initial acquittal intact.